Neurocognition and Psychophysiology of Health

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical research in cognitive psychology studies human sensory and cognitive functions, such as perception, memory, language processing and thought. The aim of this research program is to further the understanding of the processes which underlie these functions in normal subjects, the development of these functions through the lifespan, and the disruption of these processes after neurological disease. Improved understanding should increase the precision and validity of the diagnostic arsenal, and the development of compensation procedures. Fundamental research into human cognitive functioning also forms the basis for ergonomic adaptations to man-machine interaction in the normal and clinical setting, and for insight into the formation of perceptions and mental representations of the body in relation to health and illness. Experimental and theoretical research in the research area Neurocognition and Psychophysiology of Health is concerned with attention, perception, stress and emotions, moods, as well as language proces­sing and mental representation. The aim of this research program­ is to further the understand­ing of human sensory and cognitive func­tions, and the processes which underlie these functions in normal subjects, how these functions can become disrupted after neurological disease, and how physiological processes are influenced by them. The ultimate goal is to develop diagnostic tools and curative therapies. Also investigated are the effects on cognitive functioning of neurological disease, endocrinological disruptions and impeded blood flow to the brain. Another focus is on the hormonal, immunological and autonomic effects of stress on disease risk and course of diseases. Their role is specifically investigated in work-related stress and fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and rheumatoid arthritis.